Where you are [Kogo's Yurt, D6, EM]

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"I do hope that I haven't been misleading. You are still very much among those I consider strongly, but I can make no promises just as I wouldn't to any others. Not until closer to the end of the competition. There are still days for things to happen, the chance that while we get to know each other, and explore each others histories and personalities that either of us could find something incompatible for building a family. I don't foresee it, I hope not to find such a thing, but I can't in good conscience discount the possibility. I wouldn't wish to promise something to you only to later reveal or have revealed something that might make either of us to not wish to be with the other. It's better that we get to know each other as best we can in the short time we're given so we can make the right choices for our future."

[Matsu Kogo]

She nods along with his words. "I understand Shinjo-san and agree. You have always been clear that while you enjoy my company, the standings and your duty are an integral part of your choices. I have not felt mislead by you at all in our time together. You have always been forthright and honest with me."

She pauses. "It is more that I have found it useful to...articulate and make sure that all are on the same page. I do not wish to hurt anyone either or give false ideas." She takes a deep breath.

"This is not my way of pushing you Shinjo-san. This is more me seeking to clarify your own ideas and possibilities so that we understand each other. Like you, I wish to make sure we stay friends, even if things turn out where we are married to others."

"I apologize if I have seemed...abrupt or rude."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"You haven't been. It's just nice that we can talk like this and be understanding. I've come to appreciate and care for you a great deal and it would be a blessing to allow that to grow even further in the future," he replies, smiling at her.

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiled back at him, relieved she had not mistepped. "I feel the same way Shinjo-san." She looks at him for a moment and then ponders. "So, we have similar ideas, similar goals and hopes. Since we are trying to learn more of each other, maybe we should find out what's dissimilar?"

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"That seems like a good idea," he says. "What did you have in mind?"

[Matsu Kogo]

She thinks for a moment. "What are the things you dislike the most? Like, activities that you hate doing, perhaps? That might be a good starting place."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"As someone who likes being a bit adventurous it's probably not much of a surprise that there's not a lot of things on that list. I guess reading? I'd rather hear a story, be taught by someone directly, or learn from experience. I'm also not a fan of being awake during the day. The night is so much more pleasant. Not that I dislike Lady Amaterasu, but traveling in the heat of the day is not as pleasant as the cool of the night. Not a big fan of sunny days, preferring overcast or rain."

[Matsu Kogo]

She smiles. "Well, there is a small difference then. I enjoy the sun and the day, loving to be out in it. Perhaps it is because it is by choice and by travel, but I am often annoyed by the rain when it comes and traps me inside." She laughs. "I will agree that reading is occasionally a trial. I deeply enjoyed the stories I heard from Shinjo Hanashi around the campfire, along with the others and the one I heard from Moto Butaj of Otaku Chi-pu. It is...more exciting I think to hear those stories aloud rather than read."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

"Definitely. But how can you not love the rain? I guess since I've had less of it and lived outside for most of my life it's felt like a blessing every time it came. The rain storm the other night was quite nice. Had a discussion and drinks with one of the hare, but after she headed out, I just wandered about the village in the rain for a bit."

"Anything you dislike in particular?"

[Matsu Kogo]

She thinks for a moment. " I think I could likely learn to love it. Perhaps because it is so prolific, we do not value it. I would be willing to try at least." She smiles at Noburu. "Noburu, on the other hand, may have her own opinions." She ponders for a moment.

"Will you forgive me if I say milk? And cheese? My belly seems to dislike them quite fiercely."

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

He looks at her with a deadpan expression. "That's a deal breaker. You've just insulted my stomach."

He then cracks a smile. "Well, I suppose that just means more for me. But not to worry, I love all the food from within the Empire that I tried that first night. Though I still prefer my kumis to sake."

[Matsu Kogo]

She panicks for a brief moment, unable to tell he is kidding. Then when he cracks a smile, she lunges for a nearby pillow to fling. "Idiot! You had me worried for a moment." She mimes throwing the pillow but doesn't.

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

He laughs heartily at her reaction. "I would never be upset over something like that," he replies.

[Matsu Kogo]

She does throw the pillow after he laughs. "I'm not the world's best at telling that sort of thing!" She looks around for other objects, but they're all breakable. She hears Noburu's amused growl outside and says "Stupid cat! You're supposed to be on my side!"

[Shinjo Monkhbaatar]

He doesn't defend himself against the pillow and it hits him squarely to the sound of more laughter, easily heard through the open tent flap. He picks up the pillow and hugs it to his chest. "I'm keeping this now. Thanks for the extra pillow," he says with a wide smile.